Tag: fashion design

Before I run down the list of the Fall 2017 trends (in a follow-up blog), let’s talk about the mood of the season. It is helpful to lasso the season’s energy, its vibe, because each fall you will find your favorite trends in someone’s collection whether it’s fur, leopard, tweed, trench coats, etc. The trend list may look the same year to year, but the mood of the season is what truly defines it.

Here are the biggest feels from Fall 2017:

Dare to be noticed. Red is once again the color of the season. Red never takes a fall season off. However, it is a bolder, brighter shade of red this year, and it is ubiquitous. It is on bags, boots, tops, and head-to-toe outfits. On top of red’s popularity, yellow is fast on its heels, and if there are two “hello, I’m here” colors in this world, it would be red and yellow. Pick one and rock it. There are many ways to stand out this season beyond color. Designers outdid themselves with carefully and intricately designed boots, bags and clothing, mixing textures and colors in new ways. If standing out to you is more about the design than a color, you will find many choices this season.

Dare to be different. This season has thrown fashion rules a giant curve ball. We are wearing sequins to the office, leather to the grocery store and velvet from sun up to sun down. Rules?! Please, those days are over. We make our own rules now, and we wear what pleases us. What have you always wanted to try but have dared not? Well, this is your season to step up and give it a go! Fall 2017 is playful and happy. There is no room for rules when you’re having this much fun.

Dare to be kooky. This vibe builds upon the two above. Designers are asking us to get a little bit crazy. There are countless wacky combinations this season: tweed and feather skirts, head-to-toe denim (in the same shade of denim) and all-white outfits (including white boots) to name a few. I love what Simon Doonan wrote for the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar, “Strange is the new black. When you dress strangely, you keep the spotlight where it should be – on YOU. Everyone else on the planet is so busy trying to look normal that you, with your eccentric fashion choices, are able to be an utter raving, screaming standout.”

If all of this sounds and feels a bit overwhelming, take the advice of Lisa Armstrong, also in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar, who wrote a piece on the season’s trends, “The Best of What’s New.” Lisa wants us to look at trends in a new way. Rather than viewing trends as those things you have moved beyond with your style, think of them as your updates for the year, the wardrobe refreshers. Lisa wrote, “Trend awareness is not about being a literalist but about tapping into moods and keeping current in your own way. You don’t have to radically upend your style each season. Sometimes the subtlest switch is all it takes to reset.”

As you approach the new season, keep these things in mind. Let’s make this the season of “make you smile” style! Lastly, if you need help navigating the season, call me! I am always ready to help! Have a fabulous week. Fall Fashion Trends 2017 is up next…

Thank you to the amazing Jenna at Styled Out West for the photos of me. xo All other photos are by me.

Anyone who knows me even just a little bit knows that I am a champion for small businesses. My love for fashion and my desire to help further the dreams of others drive my support of local fashion designers. That is why I love the Independent Designer Runway Show at Bellevue Fashion Week. This show features designers who are looking to break into a wider fashion market. The show that is presented each September is six months in the making from the selection of the designers to the mentoring of them by the panel of judges.

I will keep my commentary short and focus on showing you what each designer showcased last night. Terri Morgan and her team at TCM Models & Talent did another stellar job with the show. Enjoy.

It was a wild party as revelers swang from the chandeliers, swilled champagne spilling over the edges of their glasses, their laughter ringing through the hallways… okay, maybe just that last part is true. But it was a colorful, wonderful evening of fashion at the studio of Tendai Tawonezvi as my Dallas clients, family and friends perused her spring/summer collection. A few smart party-goers purchased pieces to take home, investments for their wardrobe.

As I told everyone in attendance, when I spotted Tendai at a fashion event in Dallas a few years ago, she stood out in a sea of black-clad play-it-safers (of which I was one, sadly). I could not take my eyes off of her. I wanted what she had, not only the clothing, but also the bravery to wear it. Little did I know she was wearing her own pieces, and one day I would own a piece, as well. It makes me very happy every time I wear it. Naturally, I wish everyone to love and enjoy each piece they own, which is why I was eager to show Neobantu to my people!

Enjoy the photos from the colorful party, and if you have not seen Neobantu up close, follow Tendai’s blog so you can be at her next technicolor soiree! Happy Shopping, fashionistas. xo

Years ago when perming one’s hair was “the thing,” my little brother Marsh told a hair stylist he wanted “something different.” Two hours later, he emerged from the salon with freshly permed hair, and those simple words have never made me laugh so hard since that day. Oh, as we like to say in the South, bless his heart. I’m certain he wishes he had hair to perm now!

If I had a dollar for every time a client told me she does not want to look like everyone else, I could have retired by now. Okay, dear client, let me introduce you to Neobantu, your “something different.” Tendai Tawonezvi, a pharmacist by trade who grew up in Zimbabwe, founded Neobantu in 2013 with the desire to bring the vibrancy of Africa into our lives. I thank my lucky stars she did! I am the fortunate owner of one of Tendai’s creations, and I turn heads and I feel fabulous every time I wear it.

Neobantu is a fusion of vibrant African print and modern feminine styles. While this line may not at first appear to be for you (if you shy from color or from print – or both), I think every woman can find a way to make it work for her life. One of her printed tops with a classic pant is a simple approach, while a printed dress under a cropped blazer is a more forward tactic. At the very least, a t-shirt depicting of one of her designs with jeans makes for a cool, conversation-starting look.

I personally feel the tunic dress with sandals is the way to go in the heat of summer. Who doesn’t want to throw on a show-stopping piece that glides easily over one’s figure, hiding a multitude of sins? Sign me up!

I am hosting a sip and shop at Tendai’s studio in Dallas on Thursday, June 30 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. If you wish to come, please message me via my Facebook business page with your e-mail address. An investment in Neobantu is the best thing you could do for your summer wardrobe. Go ahead and do something different! Hope to see you there!—Bethany